b'E C O N O M YAgriculture, mining, and timber processing have historically been important to Elmore County and the State, but in order to create additional jobs for existing and future citizens these industries must be enhanced and other means of economic development will be needed. Agriculture is the major contributor to the economic stability of the County. In the 1960s, more water became available for irrigation through pumping from the Snake River and drilling ground water wells. This brought about an increase in irrigated cropland. Potatoes, sugar beets, and beans are crops that are highly productive. Mint became a good alternate crop, and watermelon and cantaloupe have become major fruit crops in the southeastern part of the County.6Due to the recent wildres it has become apparent that increased timber processing is necessary from federal, state and private lands. County residents believe there is a great deal of economic development potential with the sustainable management of federal lands.The Mountain Home Air Force Base is a large contributor to the economy of the County and is the single largest employer. The Base payroll and military procurement of goods and services have a signicant impact on the County and southwest Idaho. Military personnel living o Base as well as civilian employees generated dollars into the economy through the housing market. Military planners and economists are forecasting an increase in military spending and activity which will increase construction and employment at the Mountain Home Air Force Base during the near term (5 to 10 years).AgricultureTotal and Per Farm Overview, 2017 and change since 20122017 % change since 2012Number of farms 340 -3Land in farms (acres) 358,454 +4Average size of farm (acres) 1,054 +7Percent of county land in farms 18.1%FIGURE 6. Elmore County Total Farm Overview 72017 Market Value of Agricultural Products SoldCounties Sales ($1,000) Rank in State Producing ItemTotal429,916 7 44Crops119,343 10 44Grains, oilseeds, dry beans, dry peas32,446 15 42Tobacco- - -Cotton and cottonseed- - -Vegetables, melons, potatoes, sweet potatoes39,749 10 41Fruits, tree nuts, berries(D) 12 37Nursery, greenhouse, \x1boriculture, sod(D) 30 43Cultivated Christmas trees, short rotation woody crops- - 14364 I D A H O I N F R A S T R U C T U R E G U I D E B O O K'